If Someone Merges Into You, Who Is Considered At Fault?

Many of California’s roads and highways rely on winding paths and unfortunate curves. These factors, coupled with drivers who fail to pay attention to those around them, can lead to problems.

If someone merges into you and you are in an accident as a result, at least one person will be considered at fault.

Clarifying who is at fault if someone merges into you, and speaking with a California automobile accident attorney at Maire & Deedon, will allow you to obtain the best possible legal outcome.

What Is Merging?

Merging occurs when two traffic streams, both of which are going in the same direction, merge into one single traffic stream.

Just as an example, if two streams of traffic are driving on two different lanes, and the cars on the left lane merge into the right lane, this would be considered merging.

Even though merging on California roads can be dangerous, it is legal. But, this is only true if traffic is clear and, in turn, if it is reasonably safe to merge.

If the above conditions are not present, then merging becomes illegal. And, these facts are often used to determine fault in accidents that involve someone merging into you.

What Is Considered Improper Merging?

A wide variety of different acts can lead to car accidents when merging. But, some of the most notable acts that can lead to car accidents when merging are acts of improper merging.

The following are considered acts of improper merging:

  • Merging and, in doing so, failing to create enough space between cars.
  • Merging at a speed that is too fast for the other drivers and their pace.
  • Merging and, while doing so, failing to signal to the other drivers.
  • Merging and, while doing so, cutting off the other drivers.
  • Merging at a speed that is too slow for the other drivers and their pace.
  • Merging and, while doing so, failing to look for and address blind spots.

If the above takes place and an accident arises, then it is likely that the person who engaged in these acts will be considered at fault for the car accident that has occurred.

Even though the acts outlined above are considered improper merging, and someone can be held accountable for engaging in these acts and creating an accident, there are two other, related, acts that can also be considered illegal.

What Two Acts Can Lead To Improper Merging?

If a driver chooses to merge into a freeway but does so carelessly, they can be considered at fault for the accident that arises.

The reason for this is quite simple: drivers who are moving across the freeway have the right of way.

If a driver chooses to switch out of a lane so that they can merge into another one, then they are responsible for merging safely and can be held accountable for any accidents that arise.

The above is especially true if the lane that the driver is in happens to be ending and, as such, they need to merge.

Speak With A Northern California Automobile Accident Attorney Today

If you have been involved in an accident that was caused by improper merging, you need legal assistance. Speak with a Northern California automobile accident attorney at Maire & Deedon today and we will help you obtain what you deserve.